Greens leader Richard Di Natale today expressed deep concern at reports that the vessel Al Awda – part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla coalition’s boat – was detained by the Israeli Navy in international waters late last night.

“I understand that the vessel and the crew, including Australian journalist Chris Graham, were intercepted in international waters, and that they have been towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod," Di Natale said.

Greens Leader Dr Richard Di Natale today called on the Australian Government to break its silence over the killing of 17 Palestinians late last week by the Israeli military.

“The vast majority of those participating in the March of Return to mark Land Day were protesting non-violently. The use of live fire and lethal force was clearly disproportionate and very likely illegal,” Dr Di Natale said.

Australian Greens foreign affairs spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam has accused the Australian government of unforgivable silence over the blockade of Gaza, in light of a UN statement today that the area will become uninhabitable by 2020 if the current economic conditions there continue.

"Ordinary Palestinians have been caught up in this political siege for too long," Senator Ludlam said.

The Greens have urged Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop to join with her counterparts in the United States and the EU in calling on Israeli authorities to not proceed with the wholesale demolition of the Palestinian village of Kirbet Susiya in the southern West Bank.

"The proposed destruction of this village is unjustifiable. It has sparked international attention and outrage, and it is time the Australian Government broke its silence," Greens foreign affairs spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam said.